Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
|
Reviews 1 - 5 (5 Reviews Total)
| |
User Reviews
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country RiderDate Reviewed: May 15, 2012
Strengths: I was looking for a big-wheeled bike that travelled reasonably fast on paved portions and strong enough to handle cross-country single tracks as I live in the city but am about 7-8km from cross-country trails - a distance I'd rather ride out to than drive. (In a mountain bike with big fat tires that 7km ride can become a pretty long ride). I tried out a lot of 29ers in the $1200 to sub $1000, ie entry-level 29ers. This includes Konas, Trek, Specialized models. Ride characteristics amongst all of them are very similar - big wheels make the ride more comfortable. However this bike suprised me in one respect - it is able to turn very tight for a 29er. It turns about as tight as my 26" mountain bike. That shocked me. It was the best amongst the brands I tried. Kona Splice (the lightest) and Specialized Karve are a bit lighter than Soul. Typically I would take lighter weight over handling but in a big wheel bike, the extra 2-3 lbs to get the better handle is a good trade off as I'm not planning on riding too many ups and downs but rather flat single tracks.Weaknesses: a bit heavier than some competitorsBottom Line: Best handling amongst 29ers. That's worth the extra 2lbs. MSRP should be $800 not $650 as this is a 29er, not the 26" model.
Similar Products Used: Kona, Trek, Specialized
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Date Reviewed: April 19, 2012
Strengths: Great bike good for the price. It's a nice light. Frame compared to most in its class. Components are spectacular for the price you pay I've been shopping around a lot and I don't think I could find a bike around where I live with the bang for your buck. Great trail rider go almost everyday, grips roots and loose dirt like a champ after I changed the tires. Plus high quality hydrolic brakes makes sure you can stop in time. I raced this bike against full suspension 1500$ bikes and came in 3rd its amazing.Weaknesses: Stock tires the kenda small block 8 tires are good for summer or dry climates in the spring with all of the wet ground and roots you can be very nervous when taking sharp corners. I upgraded to WTB Velociraptor 29ers there very grippy and get the Job done but sacrifice the rolling. But when they start wearing out they still keep there grip and pick up speed. Also in Canada where I baught this bike it went for 849.99 plus taxBottom Line: Great bike for the buck and honestly can't beet it
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
jeharris44
a Cross Country Rider
from Waco, TX, USADate Reviewed: January 8, 2012
Strengths: The bike has a very solid feel and handles well. I really enjoy the natural stance that the bike cause you to ride in. It is a bit more aggressive and causes out to stretch out over the handle bars which I really enjoy. I bought the bike on craigslist and it had only been ridden twice. It is highly upgraded so not sure on the base components.Weaknesses: I do not have a ton of complaints but I do have two: the rear end is heavy and the rear derailer is slow and doesn't shift well going up hill.Bottom Line: I love the bike.
Favorite Trail: Powder Monkey
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At: craigslist
Bike Setup: Reba RLT front fork, Easton XC Lite handlebars, XT Crankset, SRAM x-5 derailer.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
phosphaterider
a Weekend Warrior
from TampaDate Reviewed: September 19, 2011
Strengths: A great bike with good components for the money. Also, carries a boutique name that you don't see everyday.Weaknesses: A bit heavy for an xc bike, but not a big deal since I am 250 plus rider.Bottom Line: If you are looking for a 29er on a budget than this is the bike for you! I am very impressed with the components that came stock with the bike. The only thing I plan on changing out is the fork which is not that bad, but is a little heavy. The frame seems very strong and has great geometry! I highly recommend this bike if you are looking for a 29er under $800.
Favorite Trail: Ridgeline
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At: JensonUSA
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Rig, Gary Fisher Marlin 29er, Stumpjumper Comp FSR
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Oldfatbaldguy
a Weekend Warrior
from Central MNDate Reviewed: July 10, 2011
Strengths: Name brand with strong brand identity, (locally uncommon). Fit and finish (small details) stronger than more commonly available brands. For most sizes Rocky's seem to "stretch" the rider a bit more than others...makes the bike feel like more of "riders" bike vs a more upright "comfort" bike. That fact alone allowed these old bones to cover about 10% more ground for an given fatigue level compared to my other bikes.Weaknesses: Slightly higher price than TrekDiamomdbackGiantBottom Line: If price is the only concern, any cheaper bike will do fine. Sometimes even an entry-level bike CAN have a few detail aesthetic touches normally found on higher-priced bikes. Those were important to me.
Favorite Trail: Bobsled (Cuyuna)
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At: Local bike shop
Similar Products Used: Only test-driven other 29'ers.
Bike Setup: Stock. Will replace/upgrade parts as I break them or find I'm no longer willing to accept performance.
|
Reviews 1 - 5 (5 Reviews Total)
| |
Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
